Isatis lusitanica
an annual or biennial member of the Isatis genus in the family Brassicaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Genus
- Isatis
- Life cycle
- annual, biennial
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The leaves are probably eaten[3].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Environment
- Range
- S. Europe - Greece, to W. Asia.
- Habitat
- Fields and stony places to 900 metres in Turkey[5].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ[4]. If the seed is in short supply then it might be better to sow it in a cold frame in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and plant out in early summer.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position[2][4]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press 1979-00-00 ISBN 0-87857-262-7
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Davis. P. H. Flora of Turkey. Edinburgh University Press 1965-00-00